Addressing Access to Care Webinar Sponsored by The Lupus Research Institute

This free webinar, the first of a three part series, covered advocacy basics such as how Congress works, how a bill becomes a law, the budget and appropriations process, and how to work with members of Congress. The second webinar will be held January 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM Eastern.

Don’t Get Mad – Get Going!

Have you shown up for a procedure only to find out it was not pre-approved by your insurance?

Or been told your insurance company won’t cover a new medication until you “fail” on the old one first?

Don’t get mad – get going!

You might be thinking, “I am just one person so what can I really do.” But as part of the lupus community, you are not alone. You are among 1.5 million Americans who have lupus. And we are getting heard.

Together with our National Coalition of patient advocates throughout the country, we are making a real difference on important issues like these that affect people with lupus. But the more people voicing their opinion, the more our legislators are likely to listen. So we need you to get involved.

Watch this webinar from professional advocates in DC to learn how advocacy works and how to add your voice to ours to make the greatest impact for people with lupus.

Why Advocate

Advocacy is the process the First Amendment of the Constitution put into place to voice our opinion to our government leaders. We use advocacy to influence government to pay attention to lupus. We are more effective when we work together to bring the patient’s voice to Congress.
Government leaders WANT and EXPECT to hear from their constituents about what is important to them. If we don’t show them that research and better healthcare are important to their voters, why should they care? Other people are also trying to get lawmakers’ support for issues important to them.

You Can Do It!

Maybe you don’t know much about how the government works. Or you’re shy. Or you’re busy. Or a million other reasons why you don’t feel you can make a difference. But your vote is just as important as anyone else’s and there are many ways to be heard. Our webinar will help build your confidence and give you the skills you need to be an effective advocate.

This second webinar in the three part series will cover access to care issues under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) including Essential Health Benefits, Medicaid expansion, program eligibility, provider networks/specialty providers, and special concerns for people with chronic illness. It will also help to explain federal versus state responsibilities in enacting the law.